A failure to a set of points has been causing long delays on trains through Kent.

The issue was reported earlier this morning on the line near Strood forcing services towards Gravesend and Higham to be abandoned.

The fault was a result of a blown fuse at Hoo which meant the connection to the signalling system was lost and signals were held on a red light.

Network Rail said to ensure safety, trains could not run until engineers could establish the points were locked into position on both tracks.

It has now been fixed and the line has returned to service with trains now running but disruption to services is expected until at least 1.30pm, according to National Rail Enquiries.

Passengers are warned that trains may still be cancelled or delayed and to check before travelling on either Southeastern or Thameslink routes.

A spokesman for Network Rail, which is responsible for managing track and rail infrastructure, said on Twitter: "We found a blown fuse that stopped the points from 'talking' to the signalling system meaning signals were held at red and we couldn't run trains until it we knew the points were locked in position on both tracks.

"We fixed the issue quickly but we're sorry to say there will be disruption for some time. Thank you for your patience."

Tickets are being accepted on the Fasttrack Gravesend to Strood bus service, London Underground between London terminals and on a replacement bus service.